Reply to How much can you influence/improve your DCPS/DC Public Charter School?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I dunno, I feel like I did make some minor improvement. I did all the paperwork to get the PTO up and running as a nonprofit. We wrote some grants, not huge ones but it's money they wouldn't have otherwise had, and some of the grants are renewable. Paid for a bunch of stuff to make teachers' lives easier (such as an additional copier and a pallet of paper). Revamped the website with content and nice photos. Tried to, very politely and constructively, identify problems and propose solutions. It's slow going but I do think, over a period of years, these investments add up.[/quote]

Similar experience here. Also gently suggested changes to PK dropoff compared to the rest of the school—accepted and kids and teachers were much happier. Talked about the school in the community and attended open houses and EdFest to give parent perspective. Institutionalized things like an Amazon wishlist for classroom supplies and an annual fundraising appeal. Built up parent volunteer capacity behind me. Advocated to mayor and Council for budget, and trained other parents and teachers to advocate. Worked with neighborhood association to get people to stop letting their dogs run loose in the garden. Recruited community volunteers for the garden, and to support the 2nd grade bike ride. Probably more I’ve forgotten. [/quote]

Yup. This kind of thing can absolutely make a difference. Not a huge difference but some difference. Parents can take on things the school doesn't have the bandwidth for, such as dealing with neighborhood association, DDOT, working with the ANC on things like signage and road painting, trash services, working with DPR if you have DPR space adjacent. They seem like little things, but over time they add up to a school and grounds that is well-kept, safe street crossings, etc. Some things you do are temporary, others are lasting. Some of these things are just to give the kids a positive experience-- 1st and 2nd graders adore hosting bake sales-- so in my mind it's worth it just for that. Kids are proud of themselves when they help their community.

There really is nothing like a satisfied parent, especially of older kids, to vouch for a school. That's the one thing a school can't do for itself.[/quote]

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